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Read this important information about your adopted dog or puppy!

Below is information that was discussed with you during the adoption process that you may have forgotten in the excitement of getting your new family member.

1. Canine "Kennel Cough"
   Like humans, animals get colds. Unfortunately, we are forced to pool animals with unknown medical backgrounds and vaccination history in one area. Although we check the health of our animals and vaccinate for the most common sicknesses, some animals may not appear ill. After you get home you may notice signs of kennel cough that did not present while at the shelter. The most common symptoms of "kennel cough" are a dry cough and/or runny nose. Although "kennel cough" is not typically fatal in dogs, it can become serious if left untreated. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to take the dog to a veterinarian as soon as possible for proper diagnosis and treatment.
   
   
2. Stitches
   Do not bathe your pet for one week if it was recently spayed or neutered. In most cases your pet's stitches will be internal and will dissolve on their own. You'll be informed by the adoption counselor at the time of pick-up if your new pet has stitches that need to be removed.
   
   
3. Health Check-up
   Upon receiving your new pet you are required to take him or her to a veterinarian for a health exam within 10 business days. Many, but not all, veterinarians will waive the first office visit fee for a newly adopted pet. The SPCA of Central Florida will waive the first office visit fee. Our clinic also offers reduced fees on medications and vaccinations. Any additional dogs or cats you have may use our medical clinic as long as they are spayed or neutered. All check-ups are by appointment only. To make an appointment at the Orlando Clinic call 407.351.7722 ext 227 or the Seminole Clinic call 407.323.8685 ext 224.
   
   
4. Rabies Vaccination
   Florida State Law requires all dogs and cats be vaccinated against rabies annually, starting at 12 weeks of age. You must then register your pet with your local Animal Control or Animal Services Department. If your new pet was too young to receive a rabies vaccine you will need to bring it back for the vaccination when it is 12 weeks old. There is no charge, however, you must utilize this service within 60 days from the date of adoption. You may bring your pet back to the shelter any day (except Sunday and holidays) between 1 pm and 3 pm. No appointment is necessary. You must present the PINK ADOPTION RECEIPT in order to receive this free vaccine. There is a $10 charge for a replacement copy if you have lost or misplaced the PINK ADOPTION RECEIPT.
   
   
5. Additional Vaccinations
   Below is a list of vaccinations your dog or puppy has received. Any additional vaccinations can be obtained at our low-cost medical clinic at your expense. This service is by appointment only.
   
   DHLP-P/Corona - If your new puppy is under 1 year old it may need DHLP-P boosters. Keep the pink adoption receipt and present it to your veterinarian so he/she can determine if boosters are needed.
   
   Intestinal De-worming - Your pet has been de-wormed for roundworms and hookworms. The SPCA of Central Florida does not automatically de-worm shelter pets for tapeworms.
   
   Heartworm Test/Heartworm Preventive - If your new dog is at least 6 months old it has tested negative for heartworm disease. Your dog has also been kept current on heartworm preventive. In Florida, it is very important to keep your dog on heartworm preventive all year. It may be purchased at the time of adoption.
   
   Rabies Vaccination - All dogs more than 12 weeks old have received a rabies vaccination. Don't forget to register your new pet with your local Animal Control or Animal Services Department.
   
   
6. Fleas & Ticks
   Any dog or puppy turned in to a shelter has the potential to have fleas and ticks. All dogs and puppies turned into the SPCA of Central Florida are given preventive for fleas and ticks. Flea and tick preventive may be purchased at the time of adoption.
   
   
7. Crate Training
   The SPCA of Central Florida advocates "crate training" for proper housetraining. Crate training is based on the premise a dog will not eliminate in the area it sleeps. The crate should provide enough room for the dog to stand, turn around and lay down comfortably. There are several types of crates that can be used. A routine should be established immediately.
   
   You will achieve the quickest success by putting your new dog or puppy on a schedule. A puppy should never be left in a crate for more than 3-4 hours at a time. To keep your new pet from feeling isolated, the crate should be kept in a high traffic area. Crating your new pet not only curbs destructive behavior, but also keeps your pet safe when you cannot supervise him/her. To learn more about crate training please check with your adoption counselor.
   
   
8. Heartworm Disease
   Heartworm is a parasitic disease transferred to your dog through the bite of a mosquito. The infected larvae travel through the dog's bloodstream to the heart where they mature into adult heartworms. If not treated the mass of worms blocks the flow of blood eventually leading to heart failure. To prevent heartworm disease your dog or puppy needs to be placed on heartworm preventive. Heartworm preventive cannot be purchased over the counter. It is available for purchase at the time of adoption or from your veterinarian.
   
   
9. Refund Policy
   The SPCA of Central Florida provides refunds or exchanges for verified, animal medical reasons. Your new pet is required to be seen by a veterinarian for a physical exam within 10 days from the adoption date.

If your veterinarian finds a medical problem with your new pet, you may return it to the SPCA of Central Florida, within the 10 day period, for an exchange or a refund which will be mailed to you. To obtain a refund the animal must be returned with the pink adoption receipt and a statement from your veterinarian detailing the animal's medical problem.

Should you decide to keep your new pet and provide medical treatment, you will not be reimbursed by the SPCA of Central Florida for any costs incurred for treatment, laboratory tests, examinations or other costs, nor will the adoption fee be refunded.

If, for any other reason, your new pet is not working out, you may choose to return it. In certain limited circumstances, with approval of management, the SPCA of Central Florida may choose to issue a refund or an exchange. However, the agency is under no obligation to do so.

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Revised: September 7, 2006